Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def has been a fearless creative performer his entire music career, not allowing the music industry to dictate the type of artist he chooses to be.
He's an MC who speaks truth to power as well as celebrating the vibrancy of existence and what it means to alive. His spiritual demeanour translates into his sophisticated lyrics, while the music always hits the listener with head-nodding beats punctuated with mystical and exotic samples.Yasiin is also an artist who stands his ground with unwavering conviction; in this era of streaming platforms, Bay has decided not to release any new music on Spotify and has only worked on music projects that will be released under his terms – Black Star a group featuring himself and MC Talib Kweli, was released exclusively on the Luminary streaming platform in 2022.
Touring without new music for any artist is often challenging at the best of times. However, Yasiin Bey's audience have always appreciated the timeless classics in hip hop music and value the culture's global reach throughout different diasporas and eras.
Australia is proud to have its own domestic hip hop culture, but also recognises the MCs who pioneered the art form in New York City. Bey's Brooklyn roots are a huge part of his musical DNA and find their way into all of his album's including his 2009 LP 'The Ecstatic'.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of this album, Yasiin announced a long-awaited tour down under to perform the album in full as part of the 2024 Sydney Vivid festival as well as additional shows on the east coast of Australia – adding a special performance of the compositions of the late iconic MC MF Doom.
Both Sydney shows took place mid-week and ended up selling out at the cultural precinct of Carriageworks. The Vivid gig (13 June) was off to a sizzling start on a chilly Thursday evening, as a big crowd gathered, buzzing with anticipation.
To set the fiery mood, DJ Munasib unleashed a fusion of toasty hip hop beats, mellow world rhythms, and smooth jazz instrumentals that thawed the chill in the air.
The crowd was grooving to the beat when suddenly, the vibe shifted. In a whirlwind of excitement, the stage was cleared in a flash, making way for the legendary Yasiin Bey and his DJ, who were about to take the night to the next level!
Carriageworks' Bay 17 was the perfect space with just enough standing room as well as clean and powerful acoustics as the two performers took the stage with Spanish acoustic guitar-themed music and bird chirping.
A backdrop screen of stars and nature highlighted the ambience and tone that was set from the get-go, but it was Yasiin's aura as a hooded, shadowy figure resembling a mystic that manifested a ritualistic-like performance with a story to share for all.
Blasting out of the speakers was the oriental and psychedelic-tinged tune that kicks off 'The Ecstatic', 'Supermagic' delivering a sonic punch with melodically lyrical raps.
The album is jam packed with beats by some of the most talented producers in hip hop including Madlib, The Neptunes, Oh No, Mr. Flash, Preseveration and the late-great J Dilla.
Between songs Bey had a chance to speak to his audience letting us know he wishes for everyone to free their minds and hearts and for there to be a free Gaza, jokingly adding a call to "free wi-fi".
Influenced perhaps by his close friendship with Dave Chappelle and many rebellious poets and comedians over the years, Bey also addressed the recent rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar which was a way to discuss the state of contemporary rap music.
As the crowd bumped their heads to the soulful, exotic and hypnotising drums and samples, someone lit up a joint and passed it on to those wishing something a little extra.
To the delight of DJ crate diggers and music historians, the samples used in many of the songs of 'The Ecstatic' were extended into their original recordings (which you can check out on whosampled.com).
'The Ecstatic' is sonically unique due to Yasiin's global travels and spiritual and cultural interests, which are very evident in songs like 'The Embassy' and 'No Hay Nada Mas', the later entirely rapped and sung in Spanish.
The final song of the album and the concert was 'Casa Bay', a brilliant tune that samples all the samba, soul, funk and jazz spectrum of influences on Banda Black Rio's 1977 composition 'Casa Forte'. The rapping and singing over the top of the sample is so rhythmic, it's like another instrument that Yasiin turns into an emphatically uplifting tune with his ritualistic and shamanic performance.
Yasiin Bey's performance was a rare treat for Australian fans, and Sydney's music enthusiasts had the chance to experience two electrifying shows. It was an opportunity not to be missed, even on the chilliest of winter evenings.
Stepping out into the cold was a small price to pay for the unforgettable experience of witnessing either one or both of his captivating gigs. The warmth of his music surely made the night's frosty air feel a little less biting.
Yasiin Bey is an enigmatic artist who plays by his own rules, and follows his own musical path, even if that means stepping away from the entertainment industrial complex for a few years and rejecting the monopoly of the streaming tech giants.
He's an artist first and foremost and doesn't let anything else get in the way of this, all while delivering positive energy, fiercely skilful rhymes and authentic showmanship.
